The right to remain silent in DUI cases
DUIs lead to a litany of charges that can stay with a person for many years. One Florida man in Gainesville received charges for DUI and various other infractions after he drove drunk with three children inside the vehicle. The man hit a patrol car while under the influence and now faces an uphill legal battle.
When the police arrest you for any reason, they should read you your Miranda rights. You have likely heard this many times in TV shows where cops tell people they have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You should take full advantage of this right and keep silent after a DUI arrest.
Invoke your Miranda rights
As the police arrest you, you should clearly state you wish to remain silent until you have a chance to speak with your attorney. You do not want to sit there and say nothing throughout the process. Once you invoke your Miranda rights, the police should stop asking you questions. The police cannot pressure you into talking. This is a violation of your rights, and any evidence they acquire through illegal means is not admissible in court.
Do not worry about how silence looks in court
It is your constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination. The police may try to get you to talk without a lawyer present by telling you it looks bad in court if you say nothing. This is why it is critical to unambiguously state you wish to remain silent.
Provide certain details
You can remain silent for any details related to the drunk driving charges. However, you do need to provide some basic information. You need to provide your name and show the officer your driver’s license when pulled over. You should also be polite, and say “please” and “thank you” throughout your conversation. You do not have to answer any questions related to how much you drank that evening.